Shaun Marsh will undergo surgery to fix a persistent elbow problem, putting him out of action for up to four months.

Marsh suffered the ligament injury in the IPL, and Cricket Australia had initially hoped it would be fixed with rest.

But the batsman failed to recover and on Monday a specialist recommended surgery.

CA physiotherapist Alex Kountouris confirmed on Tuesday the 31-year-old will go under the knife next week.

“It’s a pretty significant injury,” Kountouris said of the ligament issue more commonly suffered by baseball pitchers.

“Most cricketers tend to cope with a short period of rest … but it’s still a a problem.

“It’s a three or four month recovery period and we’ve chosen to go ahead with that, knowing the World Cup (starts in February, 2015).

“It still allows time for him to play for WA and prepare for the World Cup and Ashes next year.”

Marsh should be physically fit for the opening match of the four-Test series against India, which starts in Brisbane on December 4.

But given his lack of time in the nets or in the middle, Marsh may not make the XI.

Marsh was recalled to the Test side for the tour of South Africa in February, top scoring in the opening clash with a sparkling 148.

He then made a pair in the second Test and was dropped for Shane Watson in the series decider.

Ashton Agar (knee) and Josh Hazlewood (side strain) also suffered recent injuries and will take no part in the ongoing Australia A series.

Ryan Harris is continuing his recovery from knee surgery, with Kountouris hoping to have him ready for the India Test series.

“But until he starts running and bowling it’s very hard to predict,” he said.

Harris has started running on a modified treadmill that puts less pressure on his joints.

James Pattinson (back stress fracture) has resumed running but is yet to bowl in the nets.

“He’ll be playing some time in the summer. Whether it’s December, January or late November – it’s hard to tell before we get him up and going,” Kountouris said.

“The key thing with him is that the coaches need to work on his technique as well as just allowing his body to recover from his injury.”